Consultancy to conduct qualitative research in Busia, Kenya

Background: The role of community health programs in strengthening the Primary Health Care system cannot be overemphasized. In Kenya community health services are, spearheaded by Community Health Promoters (CHPs) who offer services to households. However, there are systemic gaps in provision of community health care services around CHPs support (commodities, knowledge, payment, supervision), performance management including reporting which delay timely decisions and impacts quality of service provided. Data generated is crucial for decision making, planning, and monitoring the progress of health services. However, the process of reporting community level data is largely paper based, making it inefficient, unreliable, and prone to data quality issues. Gaps in functionality of reporting, security, and sustainability of implementation of various data systems led the Ministry of health to develop guidelines towards standardizing system design, development, implementation, capacity building, monitoring, learning and support. As part of this process, Living Goods in partnership with Busia County, is implementing a phased rollout of its multi-pronged intervention package where CHPs are Digitally enabled, Equipped, Supervised and Compensated (DESC). Living Goods has commenced a government-led implementation site in two sub-counties in Busia County. The proposed rapid/baseline assessment study aims to set the baseline data for the government-led implementation site.

Objective: This project’s objective is to conduct a qualitative assessment to set baseline KPIs for the Busia Implementation Site. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive desk review, overseeing, and coordinating a baseline qualitative assessment, ensuring compliance with IRB and NACOSTI regulations, conducting training, supervising data collection, performing data analysis, preparing the final report and internal and external dissemination of these findings.

Duration: 21 days spread between June 2024 -15th August 2024

Tasks and Responsibilities

1. Comprehensive desk review: Provide an extensive overview of the existing literature on key health baseline indicators including Maternal and Newborn, and Child Health among others, in Busia County.
2. Data collection tools: Develop and pre-test data collection tools in consultation with LG team.
3. Stakeholders mapping: Identify and assess key stakeholders involved in or impact MNCH programs, interventions, and policies in Busia.
4. IRB Compliance and NACOSTI research permit: Review and ensure compliance with Institutional Review Board (IRB) regulations and ethical guidelines for the research project. Assist in preparing and submitting all necessary IRB and NACOSTI documentation and ensure timely approval.
5. Recruitment and training of research assistants: Recruit and develop a comprehensive training plan for research assistants involved in the rapid/baseline assessment.
6. Data Collection Supervision: Provide on-site supervision and support during data collection to ensure accurate and consistent data capture. In addition, implement quality control measures to minimize errors and maintain data integrity.
7. Data coding, cleaning, and analysis: Perform data coding, cleaning, and analysis using appropriate statistical methods and software. Interpret findings and draw meaningful conclusions from the data.
8. Reporting: Prepare a comprehensive final report (LG will share with the Consultant a report structure) and a slide deck summarizing the project’s objectives, methodology, findings, and recommendations. Ensure the report is clear, concise, and meets the project’s deliverables and timeline.
9. Communication: Regularly communicate project progress, challenges, and updates to Living Goods’ project manager and relevant team members.
10. Validation and dissemination: Presentation of findings to internal and external for validation and eventually dissemination of these findings.

Note: All research-related costs, including travel expenses, and data collection tools will be covered by Living Goods.

Expected Deliverables

1. A comprehensive report outlining the existing literature on Maternal and Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) in Busia, including key themes, concepts, and knowledge gaps.
2. Data collection tools tailored to the specific MNCH research project in Busia, including questionnaires, interview guides, or other appropriate instruments.
3. A pre-testing report highlighting any adjustments made to the data collection tools based on the pre-test results.
4. A stakeholder mapping report identifying and categorizing key stakeholders involved in or impacted by MNCH programs, interventions, and policies in Busia.
5. IRB Compliance certificate and NACOSTI Research Permit
6. Successful supervision of data collection with minimal errors.
7. Timely and accurate data analysis and interpretation.
8. Raw and cleaned qualitative data sets.
9. A comprehensive final research report, structured according to Living Goods’ guidelines and a slide deck summarizing key aspects of the research project, suitable for presentations to stakeholders.
10. Internal and external validation and dissemination of findings.

Qualifications:

1. A degree in public health, epidemiology, or a related field.
2. Proven experience in managing MNCH projects and conducting qualitative data analysis.
3. Familiarity with Kenyan IRB procedures and ethical considerations in research.
4. Strong communication, coordination, and organizational skills.
5. Proficient in qualitative analysis software (e.g., Dedoose, Atlas.ti and NVivo)

Submission Requirements

Interested Consultants should submit a technical and financial proposal outlining:

1. Understanding of the Scope of Work
2. Methodology and approach to the assignment
3. Work plan with clear timelines
4. Detailed budget
5. Team composition and their roles
6. Past experience conducting similar assignments.
7. Three references from previous clients
8. Three (3) sample reports of similar assignments
9. Deadline for Submission: [10th of June 2024]

Please note that the selected consultant will be expected to adhere to strict confidentiality and data protection protocols throughout the duration of the project.